Question about roof spars?

[mlsa]

I don't think I'd use paneling on the actual roof, but I suppose for a budget teardrop it would work fine. I always go for maximum waterproofing and also whatever materials will be the best if water does leak in. To me it seems after all the work you put into building a teardrop you might as well spend a little extra on quality materials that will last for the long term.

Too bad pretty much every consumer product you buy now a days is junk no matter what you spend on it. No one cares about quality, just low price. Can't say I'd want my teardrop to be made with the cheapest materials I could buy. Just my 2 cents.

Lucas

Hi Lucas

Thanks for your reply. I wasn't necessarily trying to use the cheapest supplies possible but was just curious about he paneling vs plywood. The paneling would be much easier to find and I thought would bend pretty well. I"m a long way from being at the point of doing the roof so I have plenty of time to ask all these questions. lol.

[LMarsh]

Paneling is definitely easier to bend and pretty thin. On builds 2 and 3 I had some issues with my tight radius. I just used an exterior rated luan, but some luan is more flexible than others I found out. Also some sheets are flexible in the 8' direction, other in the 4'. There is also "bendable" plywood, but it is hard to find and expensive. I got some 1/8" bendable sheets, but it was so flexible it offered no support. I would have had to put spars ever 4"! It is probably available in thicker sheets, but I ended up working with what I had.

I thought about not even using plywood on the roof since I used some .063 (I think) aluminum which is pretty thick. I just figure its easier to work with the aluminum when everything is all covered up. So with that thought I guess a layer or two of paneling would be just as good. I'd still use some paneling that could pass as wood product though. The masonite, or hardboard as I call it, (still not sure if its the same thing) would just bug me knowing if it ever got wet it might disintegrate. I don't know, maybe its just as good, but I use it for other projects and it seems like I can punch a hole in it easier than plywood.

Having something under the outer skin might also cut down on the noise level when it rains. Along with insulation. One sheet of 1/8" luan and an aluminum skin has worked well for me on all 3 builds. I'm already thinking about the next builds too and what I could try.

Lucas